In order to qualify for the services of the Washoe County Public Defender`s Office, you have to be considered "indigent". Indigency is generally defined as not having enough resources to hire private counsel. That decision is made by Court Services and the judge presiding over the case and is based upon your current financial circumstances, including an examination of a person`s financial assets and liabilities. Most people, even if they qualify as indigent, are asked to make some financial contribution to the County for the services of the Public Defender, normally between $250 and $1000.